Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 North America World Cup.
On July 7, in a Round of 16 match held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Spain secured the victory with a last-minute goal from Mikel Merino in stoppage time of the second half.
According to Yonhap News, Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area was blocked by the Spanish defense in the 12th minute of the first half.
Spain had two crucial scoring opportunities in the 16th minute, but both attempts were thwarted by Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa, known for his remarkable saves.
A left-footed curling shot from rising star Yamal was punched away by Costa, and Alex Baena's follow-up shot was also denied by Costa's outstretched hand.
In the 37th minute, Ronaldo attempted an acrobatic right-footed shot from the left side of the goal area, but it was again saved by the goalkeeper.
Later, in the 41st minute, Nuno Mendes' left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area deflected off Spanish defender Pedro Porro's head.
The second half saw both teams remain evenly matched.
Spain's Yamal attempted a left-footed shot in the 73rd minute that was sharply directed toward the goal but was saved by the goalkeeper.
Portugal also had a chance in the 76th minute when Bruno Fernandes' right-footed shot hit the side netting.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Ferran Torres delivered a killer pass to Merino, who surged into the penalty area and scored with a left-footed shot.
Meanwhile, Portugal's superstar Cristiano Ronaldo concluded his World Cup journey in the Round of 16.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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